Will S.
Google
If there’s ever an occasion in Corvallis to bust out the fancy hoodie, or Google, “how long after expiration can I still use mascara,” it’s for a meal at Castor. Trying to usurp Burgerville as the best date night spot in town is a tall order, but what Castor lacks in having kegs of ketchup at the ready, it makes up for in a host of other ways. Being one of the only ‘nice’ restaurants in town open on Mondays is a great start, as having to explain to my stomach that it can’t have a filet on certain days hasn’t gone over well in the past; it wants what it wants when it wants it.
Arriving on time for a 6:30 reservation, my date and I were given the unfortunate news that our table was not ready due to the earlier reservation’s guests not GTFOing in a timely manner. We were ushered to a bench on the other side of the restaurant and given water and a drink menu while we waited, which was fine, as it allowed for a thorough review of all the restaurant’s artwork and holiday decorations. Our 15-minutes of patience was rewarded with the best table in the joint, so that helped to right the ship after the initial delay.
My date started off with an Old Fashioned, and I with their NA Moscow Mule. When I asked if she liked it, I was told, “Yes I def did” (we’re still on speaking terms 😎), which is the sentiment I’d echo for my drink. It sure beat the water I usually have with dinner.
The Bread & Butter and Dinner Salad were solid and flavorful, but primarily used to prevent me from getting cranky while waiting for the main course, the Filet Mignon. French for “cute strip,” the filet was an easy choice for both of us because we only eat cute food. Placed on a bed of mashed potatoes, just like Jesus in his manger, the steak was very flavorful and cooked perfectly to my preference - medium (don’t @ me). My steak was very tender and not chewy in the slightest. The mashed potatoes were quite yummy in my tummy, too, and the carrots did a solid job at being a palette cleanser between bites of the good stuff.
Despite opting to end the meal after the filet and not getting a dessert, it was still a bit disheartening to hear that they didn’t have two of the dessert options listed on the menu. The Will in the parallel universe that was dying to get cookies must have been heartbroken to learn that, but I was ok with it.
Castor is probably a 4.5* establishment, but having to wait 15 minutes after our reservation time is causing me to round down for this visit. At least that’s the only thing that left a bad taste in my mouth. The staff was professional and did a good job; and the timing of the meal once seated flowed very well.
